dem
than of a wine-cellar. Judge of our esteem for you by the preciousness
of the body over which we are thus calling you to preside.'

[Footnote 244: Either 509-510 or 524-525; more probably the former.]

43. KING THEODORIC TO THE SENATE OF THE CITY OF ROME.

[Sidenote: Promotion of Artemidorus.]

[Announcing the elevation of Artemidorus to the post of Praefectus
Urbis.]

'Artemidorus, though entitled from his relationship to the Emperor
Zeno to expect great promotion at the Court of Constantinople, has
preferred to share the fortunes and attach himself to the person of
Theodoric, who has often been refreshed after the cares of State by an
hour of his charming converse. Though he might have aspired to the
highest dignities of the Court, he has hitherto been satisfied with
the comparatively humble post of Superintendent of the Public
Spectacles [as Tribunus Voluptatum?]. Now, as Praefectus Urbis, he is
to preside over and become a member of your body. Welcome him.'

44. KING THEODORIC TO THE PEOPLE OF ROME.

[Sidenote: On the same subject.]

[On the same subject as 42 and 43, the elevation of Artemidorus to the
Urban Praefecture.]

Rebukes the commonalty sharply for their recent disturbances, which
defile with illicit seditions the blessings of peace, earned under
God's blessing by their Prince. The newly-appointed Praefectus
Urbanus, Artemidorus, long devoted to the service of Theodoric, will
attest the innocence of the good, and sharply punish the errors of the
bad, both by his own inherent prerogative and by a special commission
entrusted to him for that purpose by the King.

45. KING THEODORIC TO BOETIUS, VIR ILLUSTRIS AND PATRICIAN.

[Sidenote: The water-clock and sundial destined for the Burgundian
King.]

'It is important to oblige our royal neighbours even in trifles, for
none can tell what great matters may be aided thereby. Often what arms
cannot obtain the offices of kindness bring to pass. Thus let even our
unbending be for the benefit of the Republic. For our object in
seeking pleasure is that we may thereby discharge the serious duties
of life.

'The Lord of the Burgundians has earnestly requested that we would
send him a clock which is regulated by water flowing under a modulus,
and one which is marked by embracing the illumination of the immense
sun[245].'

[Footnote 245: An unintelligible translation doubtless, but is the
original clearer? 'Burgundionum dominus a nobis magnopere